Robinson Crusoe

Novel by Daniel Defoe first published in 1719. It is one of the first novels.

The subtitle already gives a summary of the story: The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner: Who lived Eight and Twenty Years, all alone in an un-inhabited Island an the Coast of America, near the Mouth of the Great River of Oroonoque; Having been cast on Shore by Shipwreck, wherein all the Men perished but himself. With an Account how he was at last as strangely deliver`d by Pyrates. Written by himself. This story is based upon the adventures of the sailor Alexander Selkirk.

Because of the success Defoe published a continuation with the title: The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe; Being the Second and Last Part of his Life, And of the Strange Surprizing Accounts of his Travels Round three Parts of the Globe.

For a collection of religious and moral views Defoe used the name of Robinson Crusoe to have more success, too: Serious Reflections during the Life and Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. With his Vision of the Angelick World. Written by Himself. This work is often considered the third part.

Sources

• Maier, Katharina: Die berühmtesten Dichter und Schriftsteller Europas. Wiesbaden: Marix Verlag, 2007.
• Petzold, Dieter: Daniel Defoe >>Robinson Crusoe<<. In der Reihe Text und Geschichte, Band 2, München: Wilhelm Fink, 1982.